Preview: Gremio vs. Independiente del Valle - prediction, team news, lineups

Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle travel to Brazilian outfit Gremio for the second leg of their third qualifying round tie of the Copa Libertadores at the Arena do Gremio.

The hosts head into Tuesday's 19:15 kickoff 2-1 behind, but they will be hoping to turn the tie around and progress to the group stages for the sixth successive year.

Match preview

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Gremio boss Renato Gaucho will be disappointed with the first leg result and how his side failed to build on Diego Souza's ninth-minute opener.

The Brazilian outfit were unable to control the game, allowing the hosts to have 70% possession and 16 shots on goal, two of which hit the woodwork either side of half time.

After a lengthy spell of dominance, Independiente del Valle eventually equalised in the 53rd minute through Lorenzo Faravelli, after some brilliant build-up play on the edge of the area.

Centre-back Ruan Tressoldi was then shown a second yellow card eight minutes later for a late tackle inside the penalty box, with Faravelli converting from 12 yards to turn the tie on its head.

Gremio have now failed to win any of their last four away matches in all competitions, but head into the second leg having won each of their last five on home soil, scoring 17 goals in the process.

The three-time winners of the Copa Libertadores last lifted the trophy in 2017 and Gaucho is desperate to bring the glory days back to Porto Alegre, but will need his side to be on top of their game if they are to progress to the group stages.

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In stark contrast, Independiente del Valle manager Renato Paiva will have been delighted with how his team responded to going a goal down last week.

An inspired performance from midfielder Faravelli has put the Ecuadorian side one step closer to reaching the group stages of the Copa Libertadores for the first time since 2016, when they went all the way to the final.

As much as they would like to progress to the group stages, success domestically is also high on Independiente's priority list and they are keen to maintain their top-flight title challenge.

The Negriazules have never won a league title and finishing as runners up in 2013 has been their best performance to date. Paiva's side currently sit one point behind Barcelona SC at the top of the table.

Independiente are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and securing at least a draw on Tuesday would see them progress from the third qualifying round.

Team News

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Gremio centre-back Tressoldi is suspended, so 33-year-old David Braz is likely to start alongside Rodrigues.

Thirty-five-year-old forward Souza is expected to keep the number nine spot ahead of teenage striker Ricardinho, while Darlan could start in central midfield at the expense of Cesar Pinares.

He could be joined in midfield by former Real Madrid man Lucas Silva and Matheus Henrique, who both started in the first leg.

Independiente del Valle's Jose Hurtado started at right wing-back ahead of Anthony Landazuri in the first leg and could keep his place in the side on Tuesday.

Key midfielder Faravelli is expected to start alongside Cristian Pellerano or Bryan Garcia, while winger Jhon Sanchez could replace Pedro Vite on the right flank.

Striker Brian Montenegro, who has found the net seven times in nine appearances this season, is expected to start up front.

Gremio possible starting lineup:

Brenno; Albuquerque, Braz, Rodrigues, Goiano; Silva, Henrique, Darlan; Alisson, Souza, Aldemir

Independiente del Valle possible starting lineup:

Ramirez; Schunke, Tenorio, Vega; Hurtado, Pellerano, Faravelli, Caicedo; Sanchez, Montenegro, Ortiz

We say: Gremio 1-1 Independiente del Valle

Independiente del Valle have scored two or more goals in seven of their last eight matches, while Gremio have found the net in each of their previous 10 games in all competitions.

The pressure is on the hosts to turn this tie around, but after dominating the first leg, we expect the visitors to secure a least a draw on Tuesday evening and progress to the group stages of the Copa Libertadores.